Orders of the Day — Terrorism Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 6:08 pm on 14 December 1999.

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Photo of Douglas Hogg Douglas Hogg Conservative, Sleaford and North Hykeham 6:08, 14 December 1999

I support the hon. Gentleman in this matter. He has described solidarity groups, whose function is to raise money. Clause 14 makes it plain that a person invited to give money is committing an offence. It is no good saying that such people would be prosecuted only with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The very fact that there is a possibility that an offence might be committed will deter people from inviting money or contributing money. To that extent, the Bill diminishes civil rights regardless of whether there is a prosecution.